US military draft 2026; Everything to know about requirements, exemptions & age limits

April 2026 – The United States is planning a major change to its military draft system. Under a new rule, young American men may soon be automatically registered for draft eligibility instead of signing up themselves.

The move is part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by Donald Trump. The change could begin as early as December 2026, if approved.

What Is Changing in the Draft System

For decades, men in the US had to register for the draft on their own. Now, the responsibility will shift to the government.

The Selective Service System will collect data from existing government databases to automatically register eligible individuals. This aims to simplify the process and improve compliance.

Who Must Register

Currently, most male US citizens and immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 must register within 30 days of turning 18.

This rule will still apply, but under the new system, registration will happen automatically without requiring individual action.

Penalties for Not Registering

Failing to register for the draft is considered a serious offense. It can lead to penalties of up to five years in prison.

In practice, enforcement often affects access to key benefits. Those who do not register may lose eligibility for:

• Federal student financial aid
• Government jobs
• US citizenship (for immigrants)

Why the Change Is Being Introduced

Officials say the new system will save hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year on awareness campaigns and outreach programs.

According to lawmakers like Chrissy Houlahan, automatic registration will allow the government to focus more on military readiness and planning.

In 2024, only about 81 percent of eligible men registered, showing a gap the new system hopes to fix.

Exemptions Under the New Rule

Not everyone will be included in automatic registration. Exemptions will apply to:

• Active-duty military personnel
• Certain non-immigrant visa holders
• Religious ministry students
• Individuals with severe hardship or disabilities

Current Status of the Proposal

The proposed rule was submitted on March 30, 2026, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. It is still under consideration before final approval.